How to remove escutcheon cap/handle base?

[PhxPT]

Hi,

Need help.

Trying to fix a leaky shower head. Trying to pull the cold side cartridge/valve to look it over, probably replace the rubber gasket.

Problem arises almost immediately. Handle held on by philips screw. Great. The rest of the handle? a escutcheon cap? will not come off.

Had this tool.....

But not successful. Applied a fair bit of force and the handle/cap thing didn't move. Afraid of really damaging something.

Any advise on how to get this thing (escutcheon cap/handle base) off so as I can get at the cartridge?

Thank You Much!

Jason

 

[havasu]

Did you try just unscrewing it?

 

[PhxPT]

Did you try just unscrewing it?

The only thing I've been able to remove so far is the handle - which was held on by a single phillips screw.

After that the "escutcheon cap/handle base/not sure what to call it" turns with the entire entire cartridge ... so it can't unscrew.

Thank You.

 

[PhxPT]

Close up when screwed all the way out:

 

[Rickyman]

Looks like Price Pfister aftermarket handles. Use that handle puller to get the rest of the handle off. You may need to squirt some wd-40 in where the screw was.

Worst case scenario is use a sawzall and slice off the handle. A new stem is probably $15 and that trim is fairly inexpensive also.

 

[CT18]

Un screw the piece up against the tile and with any luck that will force the other piece off. If not like mentioned you may need to spray it.

 

[PhxPT]

Rickyman, CT18, a sincere Thank You. Shot some liquid screw on and abouts and will try the above.